Common Sense Horseshoeing

by Larry Davis

Thoughts from a Northwest Farrier

Throughout history, the farrier has been looked upon by some as a saint and by some as a butcher. In most cases, both titles apply to farriers who continue to practice the trade. Equine hoof care was first in evidence somewhere between 3000 and 1580 BC. The early horseshoes were made of reeds, then later progressed to leather cups, and then to iron after 400 AD. Regular use of iron shoes was not evident until after 1000 AD. We can be certain that over this period there have been accepted methods of hoof care and methods that were not proven or did not fit into the standard of the time.

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